In the center of Larnaca, somewhat hidden off a side street, lies the Kyriazis Medical Museum. Though small and unassuming, it offers a fascinating glimpse into what doctors, nurses, and patients had to work with in the days before modern medicine, from antiquity up to the 20th century.

The museum displays a unique collection of treasures including old equipment, curious contraptions, and odd pieces of medical history.

Some highlights include stone dildos (“phallic items”) from ancient Kition; illustrated documents containing medial poems and curses; an OBGYN bench reportedly used by over half of Larnaca’s original population; and a replica of the Hippocratic Ladder, a wooden ladder used to treat dislocations of the hip or of the neck.

The museum was founded in 2011 by Marios Kyriazis, a private collector who inherited many of these artifacts from his grandfather and great-grandfather. Aside from the museum’s permanent exhibition, it also hosts cultural events, public lectures, and all sorts of activities revolving around medical interests.

The museum also has a lovely outdoor garden where healing herbs such as lavender, basil, sage and melissa are planted and health drinks are served.

Know Before You Go

It is located at the intersection of Karaolis and Dimitriou Street. It is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 AM to 12.30. Entrance is free.

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best of Atlas Obscura in your inbox.

Stay in Touch!

No purchase necessary. Winner will be selected at random on 03/01/2019. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Offer subject to change without notice. See contest rules for full details.

Add Some Wonder to Your Inbox

Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you.

We'd Like You to Like Us

We value your privacy

Atlas Obscura and our trusted partners use technology such as cookies on our website to personalise ads, support social media features, and analyse our traffic. Please click below to consent to the use of this technology while browsing our site. To learn more or withdraw consent, please visit our privacy policy.